Which fuse controls the tail lights on a 2013 Honda Civic?

The tail lights on a 2013 Honda Civic are protected by the “SMALL LIGHT” fuse (7.5A) located in the interior fuse box on the driver’s side; on most trims it’s typically position No. 6. This fuse also powers the parking lights, side markers, license-plate lights, and instrument panel illumination. Because numbering can vary slightly by trim and market, confirm the exact position on the fuse-box cover diagram or in the owner’s manual.

Location and identification

Honda places the taillight (small/parking light) circuit on the interior fuse/relay box under the dashboard by the driver’s left knee. Remove the small access panel to see the fuse grid and its legend. Look for a 7.5-amp fuse labeled “SMALL LIGHT,” “TAIL,” or a bulb icon—this is the one that feeds the tail/parking light circuit.

Typical rating and fuse number

On most 2013 Civic variants (sedan, coupe, Si), the taillight circuit uses a 7.5A fuse in the interior box, commonly labeled “SMALL LIGHT” and usually found at cavity No. 6. Some trims or regions may show a different cavity number on the legend, but the rating (7.5A) and label (“SMALL LIGHT”/“TAIL”) are consistent. The engine-compartment fuse box does not normally contain a dedicated tail/parking light fuse.

How to check and replace the fuse

If your tail lights and dash illumination are out, the small-light fuse is a prime suspect. The process is straightforward and can be done with basic tools.

• Turn the ignition off and switch off all lights.
• Open the driver’s side lower dash fuse-panel door to access the interior fuse box.
• Use the fuse puller (often clipped in the fuse box) to remove the 7.5A “SMALL LIGHT” fuse.
• Inspect the metal strip inside the fuse; if it’s broken, the fuse is blown.
• Replace only with a 7.5A fuse of the same type and recheck operation.

If the new fuse blows immediately, there’s likely a short in the circuit that needs diagnosis before further replacements.

If the fuse keeps blowing: common causes

Repeated fuse failures indicate a short or overload on the small-light circuit. These are the most common culprits on Civics of this generation.

• Damaged tail lamp socket or bulb (shorted filament or moisture intrusion).
• Chafed wiring in the trunk lid harness near the left hinge area (frequent flex point).
• Corroded or pinched license-plate light wiring or sockets.
• Aftermarket lighting (LED strips, taillights) drawing improper current or miswired.
• Trailer wiring taps or add-on accessories spliced into the parking light circuit.

Addressing these areas first often resolves persistent fuse failures; if not, a professional electrical diagnosis is recommended.

Related circuits to know

If you’re troubleshooting exterior lighting more broadly, a few other fuses are relevant but do not power the tail lights themselves.

• STOP fuse (brake lights): different circuit and fuse; if brake lights are out but tails work, check this one.
• BACK UP fuse (reverse lights): separate 10A circuit in the engine compartment box.
• TURN/HAZ fuses (turn signals/hazards): separate circuits in the interior fuse box.

Knowing these separate circuits helps isolate whether you have a tail/parking light issue or a broader lighting problem.

Verification and references

For absolute confirmation, check the fuse-box cover diagram and the 2013 Honda Civic owner’s manual (Electrical section). The diagram will show the exact cavity number for “SMALL LIGHT” for your specific trim and market. Always match the amperage rating when replacing a fuse.

Summary

The 2013 Honda Civic’s tail lights are protected by the 7.5A “SMALL LIGHT” fuse in the interior (driver’s side) fuse box—typically fuse No. 6. Verify the position on your fuse-box cover, replace only with a 7.5A fuse, and if it blows again, inspect common trouble spots like the trunk harness, bulb sockets, and any aftermarket wiring.

Why are the tail lights not working on my 2012 Honda Civic?

The most common cause of your symptoms is the fuse blowing. If the fuse is good, the next place you want to look is to the switch. The headlight switch may be shorting out or have a bad connection to your taillights. If you have a multi-meter you can test for available power before and after the switch.

How many fuse boxes does a 2013 Honda Civic have?

The vehicle’s fuses are contained in three fuse boxes. The primary under-hood fuse box is in the engine compartment on the driver’s side.

Which fuse is for the tail light?

To find the tail light fuse, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the fuse box diagram. The fuse will likely be located in the under-hood fuse box or the fuse box inside the cabin, labeled as “Tail Lights,” “Parking Lights,” or similar. If you find the correct fuse but it is blown (the internal wire is broken), replace it with a new one of the same amperage. If a fuse continues to blow, it suggests a short circuit or wiring issue that needs professional diagnosis.
 
This video shows the location of the tail light fuse in a Honda Fit: 1mKevin CaudillYouTube · May 28, 2022
Steps to find and replace the tail light fuse

1. Consult your owner’s manual: This is the most accurate source for your specific car’s fuse layout and labeling. 
2. Locate the fuse box: Common locations are under the hood or inside the cabin near the dashboard. 
3. Identify the fuse: Look for a fuse labeled “Tail Lights,” “Parking Lights,” “Marker Lights,” or something similar. Sometimes, it may be labeled differently, like “Small Lights”. 
4. Remove the fuse: Use a fuse puller, often found inside the fuse box, to safely pull the fuse out. 
5. Inspect the fuse: Hold the fuse up to a light to check if the internal wire is broken. 
6. Replace a blown fuse: Insert a new fuse with the exact same amperage rating. 
7. Troubleshoot further: If the new fuse blows immediately, there might be a short in the wiring or a faulty tail light bulb, requiring professional attention. 

Which fuse is for the brake lights on a Honda Civic?

The fuse for the brake lights on a Honda Civic is typically located in the under-hood fuse box. For many Civic models, it’s fuse #13 and is a 20 amp fuse. This fuse also provides power to the horn relay. You can check if this fuse is blown by seeing if the horn still works, as they are on the same circuit. 
This video shows how to locate the brake light fuse on a Honda Civic and explains how to test it: 1mLehewYouTube · Jan 13, 2021
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Location: The brake light fuse is usually found in the under-hood fuse box. 
• Specific Fuse: On many Civic models, it’s fuse #13, and is a 20 amp fuse. 
• Shared Circuit: The brake light fuse also provides power to the horn relay, so if the horn works, the fuse is likely good. 
• Other Potential Issues: If the fuse is good, other potential problems could be the brake light switch, the brake light bulbs, or wiring issues according to JustAnswer. 
• Troubleshooting: If the horn works, you can test the brake light switch or the bulbs, or inspect the wiring near the rear lights according to HowStuffWorks. 

This video demonstrates how to test the brake light switch and other potential problems: 53sDannys DIY GarageYouTube · Mar 29, 2025